Patience and Positive Thinking in Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Surviving in the wild can be difficult, especially unprepared. In the novel, Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen, Brian Robeson must work to survive in the wild with limited materials. Through the book Brian learns to use positive thinking and patience in order to survive.

Through his experience, Brian develops a positive attitude that allows him to meet the challenges placed upon him in the wild. For example, although he has just crashed in a small commuter plane he recognizes that he is at the very least, alive. "I'm alive, he thought. I'm alive. It could have been different. There could have been death. I could have been done" (Paulsen 33). Brian keeps a practical state of mind in order to keep his hope alive. He does not know much about his situation but by acknowledging that he is alive he is able to look at his time in the wild in a more optimistic way. In addition, Brian understands that he needs to keep himself safe until help arrives when he realizes just how much potential danger he is in by taking action and building a shelter, "I need to get motivated, he thought... Right now I'm all I've got. I have to do something" (Paulsen 51). Brian uses positive thinking while working on his shelter to stay safe in the wilderness. He realizes the situation that he's in and uses his hopeful attitude to help motivate him to stay alive. Because of his positive state of mind, Brian is able to stay strong and survive in the wild.

Throughout his experience in the Canadian wilderness Brian not only finds strength in positivity he also learns to be patient and ultimately is rewarded. He tries to catch fish to eat so that he can get some protein in his body, for example, "He had worked on the fish spear until it had become more than just a tool. He'd spent hours and hours on it" (Paulsen 106). Brian keeps working hard and takes his time to get what he needs in order to survive. Brian learns to persevere and becomes persistent towards getting his food. By staying persistent and patient Brian finally catches his fish. In addition, Brian keeps working on his fish spear for a long time without giving up, "He held the fish against the sky until it stopped wiggling, held it and looked to the sky and felt his throat tighten, swell, and fill with pride at what he had done" (Paulsen 119). This quote explains how Brian's endurance and tenacity has paid off, leaving him with a fish to eat. Although it took a lot of time and hard work Brian can be proud of what he has accomplished. Patience teaches Brian that all good things come to those who wait and work hard.

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Brian's time in the wild has taught him to stay positive and and think patiently in order to survive. Positive thinking helps him to accomplish tasks that seem almost impossible. And patience helps him to stay calm and work hard to overcome obstacles. Through an amazing combination of persistence and patience anybody can overcome their own obstacles in life.

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